Page 249 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (3)_Neat

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14 NEGLECTED ARABIA

conversation without being set upon by some one influential in govern-
ment. And yet, personally, I think it gives us a feeling of comfort to
know of the clause in the country’s treaty which practically gives Missions
a chance to operate; for there are still signs that all is not right in that
direction. But chances for trouble from stich sources are becoming
less; and especially the younger set are beginning to look at these things ' ^
apart from government and politics. X
It is interesting to notice the hopeful spirit of concern for the progress ’•’£?
and success of the country. In very many respects government is taking
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care of the affairs of the country. But there are still far too many :
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES-SERVICF. STATION IN BASRAH |

who fail to recognize that government as such can not do everything for f
them. Until the people themselves are more in earnest and interested in |
advancing agriculture and manufactures and in improving social con-.
ditions, the country will not be greatly successful. How happy it would }
be if a larger number persisted in doing things for the welfare of their
country and in creating sources of revenue for the government rather j
than waiting and expecting government to provide them with an income- • !
and luxuries. Until conditions are more hopeful foreign capital will not
risk investments here.
The former government's educational program for Mesopotamia was
not bad—on paper. It is good now. But they still have a long way to
&o to make it good in fact, although there is great improvement. A large
increase in the number of schools for both boys and girls means that
many of the youth of the land arc receiving a start in nienta tnuiun|i \<
A larger percentage of the population is learning to read and think, fu ^
certain parts there is a demand for all kinds of literature: in English and j
French as well as in Arabic. One is surprised at the number of news- s